How Can Your Family Take Better Care of Your Smiles?

Posted January 17, 2017byStephens and Gatewood

Do you ever get tired of feeling like your kids or even your spouse’s dental care police? Do they all act shocked, every single night, that they’re being asked to brush their teeth before bed? Does flossing seem practically out of the question, just because of the complaints you receive? Well, the great news is that preventive dental care doesn’t have to be super time consuming or even frustrating. There are actually some pretty simple ways you can help to make your whole family’s dental care routine more fun and more effective!

Help Your Kids Feel Empowered About Their Own Dental Care

One simple way to get school-aged children excited about their own dental care, is by helping them to feel empowered. You can do this by taking your children to pick out their own toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Fortunately, there are many safe and age-appropriate options that are also fun. From cartoon-clad toothbrushes to bubblegum flavored toothpaste, just make sure you look for options that are approved by the American Dental Association, to ensure they’re getting safe and effective options.

You can also make dental care more fun by using a song or a timer to signify how long they should be brushing for each morning and night. Instead of standing over them, as they brush, why not bring your own toothbrush and brush alongside them. This is a great way to monitor them, without feeling like a smile sheriff. Plus, it’s a good way to demonstrate proper technique, and the importance of lifelong dental care.

Don’t Skip Routine Checkups and Cleanings

Finally, be sure that every person in your family sees the dentist regularly for key preventive care, including checkups and exams. These appointments are crucial to checking for tartar buildup, and other potential problems. That is why dentists so strongly urge biannual visits.